2017 NFL mock draft: We still don’t know where the quarterbacks will go

After months of preparation, interview, work out and, of course, mock drafts it is finally the week of the 2017 NFL draft.

If you’ve been following these mock draft since December, you’ve seen the first round meld into shape. In recent weeks the draft position for running backs, cornerback and pass rusher has particularly become apparent.

The issue in this draft has always been and continues to be at quarterback. The top four players at the position – DeShone Kizer, Patrick Mahomes, Mitch Trubisky and Deshaun Watson – could go at any point or wait longer than we expect. The uncertainty at that position is what makes this year’s draft unique and where they go will ultimately alter ever other team’s plan.

This pick is so close to happening that Garrett recently followed Browns players Joe Haden, Carl Nassib and Danny Shelton on Twitter. If that doesn’t make it official, I don’t know what else would. Don’t screw up the No. 1 pick, Cleveland. Don’t listen to Warren Sapp. Take the draft’s top player and then use your stockpile of picks to come back up and get a quarterback.

The 49ers have been doing a lot of late work on quarterbacks, so what happens here is still something of a mystery. It could be an elaborate ruse to orchestrate a trade down. If the 49ers stick here and don’t take a quarterback, Thomas is a good system fit. Malik Hooker of Ohio State should still be under consideration.

Adams is a player with few flaws and a team like the Bears need a sure thing player. Adams is practically a lock for the top five picks. The question is whether or not the Bears pick him or throw a curve ball and take a quarterback.

Running back is one of the key needs for Jacksonville, and no back in the draft can shape an offense like Fournette. I agree that the Jaguars won’t get the most out of Fournette without a better line, but they may not get another chance at player like the LSU star.

Even before releasing Jason McCourty the Titans needed cornerback help. There’s some concern about Lattimore because of his past history of hamstring issues, but he was sensational last season at full health.

Most of the picks for the Jets have been players on offense, but there’s some logic behind Hooker. Only one team had less interceptions last season than the Jets, and Hooker’s specialty is creating turnovers.

With new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley the Chargers the Chargers could be searching for a versatile piece along the defensive line. With his power and play style Allen is the type of player who can move around and find success anywhere he lines up.

Barnett isn’t flashy like Garrett but you can legitimately argue that his production at Tennessee was more impressive. Barnett consistently generated pressure in college and is a solid player against the run.

This is another spot where a quarterback could be in play. Owners don’t randomly go to player workouts for no reason and Bills owner Terry Pegula has accompanied the team at some workouts. If it’s not a quarterback, I rate Howard higher than the wide receivers this year.

The Saints have put in a ton of work on pass rushers leading up to the draft so it’s probable one of team’s three top 50 picks will be used on an edge player. The longer they wait the quicker the quality of the position decreases.

12. Cleveland Browns: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

I’m not sure where the Browns will get to so they can acquire Trubisky, I just think on draft night he ends up staying with his hometown team.

Every week as the draft has approached Conley has inched up and inched up, surpassing other cornerbacks. Now some are wondering if he’ll even get picked before teammate Marshon Lattimore. The Eagles are barren at cornerback. Conley would start immediately.

If Williams happens to fall out of top 10 picks – which could happen depending on Cincinnati and Buffalo – Baltimore could be his landing spot. Williams isn’t a superstar athlete for a wideout but he can go up and get the ball and give Joe Flacco a good lead receiver.

17. Washington: Reuben Foster, MLB, Alabama

Foster’s draft status is more fragile than any player’s leading up to Thursday. He could just easily go in the top 10 as he could fall out of the first round. Washington feels like a happy medium where he fits a need.

18. Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Davis has been flying under the radar after skipping out on the Senior Bowl, the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day because of injury. He should still hear his name called on day one of the draft, and Tennessee is a good fit.

Ramczyk will be in Philadelphia on draft night and he’s not there to see the Liberty Bell. He could help finish Denver’s rebuild on the offensive line as they continue to try and figure out who will start for them at quarterback.

Another offensive lineman for the Giants. Ereck Flowers was a reach in the top 10 in 2015, and he’s played like one. At the least Bolles can provide competition at left tackle or take over on the right side.

This pick seems certain to be on defense whether it’s a pass rusher up front or a coverage player. It’s no coincidence the NFL invited six cornerbacks to the draft. Teams could covet Jackson for his upside as a cornerback and his incredible ability as a return specialist.

A team like the Packers could stop the slide of Cook on draft night. He could be Green Bay’s new lead running back while also providing another weapon in the pass game. The Packers could be another team in the back part of the first round who gets a cornerback as well.

I keep going back and forth on McKinley or Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt for the Steelers. McKinley would be an excellent pairing with Bud Dupree. He’s a high motor pass rusher who can stand up and play with his hand in the dirt.

Rivers is certainly a favorite of Falcons fans, but is he actually a favorite of the Falcons? He would give Atlanta a pass rusher to go along with Vic Beasley. Malik McDowell of Michigan State could be an option as well because of his versatility.

32. New Orleans Saints: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

Until the Saints somehow manage to acquire Malcolm Butler I think they leave the first night of the draft with a cornerback. In this scenario it was either White or Chidobe Awuzie of Colorado. Could this be a landing spot for Kizer?